top of page
Ella Wu

On the Edge of Extinction: 'The Last of the Sea Women'

Now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.


Haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

On the rocky shores of Jeju Island, a remarkable culture hangs on by a thread, embodied in the lives of the haenyeo — South Korea's legendary female divers. "The Last of the Sea Women" (2024), a poignant documentary directed by Sue Kim, invites viewers into the underwater world of these resilient women, who have spent generations free diving for sea urchins, abalone, conch, and much more. But the traditions of the haenyeo face an uncertain future, as the film sheds light on the alarming environmental threats that jeopardize their livelihood and the delicate marine ecosystems they depend on. In exploring the intersection of culture and conservation, Kim's documentary serves as a powerful reminder of what is at stake — and the urgent need to protect both the haenyeo and the waters they call home.


Haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

"I wanted to make this film because I wanted some sort of documentation out there and memorialization of who these incredible women were," says director Sue Kim, "whether or not we would continue to have them in future decades. So it was sort of an urgent mandate to make sure, at least for now, [that] the world knows who they are, even if they won't be around in the future, which I desperately hope is not the case.


The history of the haenyeo goes back centuries — though it’s unclear how exactly the haenyeo came to be. Their legacy, however, is undeniably rich and complex, shaped by the ebb and flow of societal norms and economic pressures. Traditions passed down from generation to generation saw young girls starting their training at the tender age of 10, mastering the art of diving and navigating the unpredictable tides. Their risk-inclined lifestyle not only provided sustenance but also forged unbreakable bonds among the women, who continue to support each other through the myriad of life's challenges. 


A haenyeo diver of South Korea’s Jeju Island in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

Today's haenyeo possess a vibrant spirit that defies their age, with most women in their 60s, 70s, and beyond — yet their energy remains undiminished. These fearless divers are far from delicate figures; they are a force of nature, often seen teasing one another, sharing laughter, and singing songs that echo across the water. Their camaraderie is palpable as they squabble and jab at each other playfully while donning their gear, a testament to their enduring bond. Each dive is a reflection of their physical strength, fierce independence, and an unapologetic embrace of their identities as proud matriarchs. Their spirit is a powerful reminder that aging does not diminish strength — it amplifies it. 


Despite their tough nature, the haenyeo find themselves poised on the edge of extinction, confronting unprecedented threats from climate change and environmental degradation. "We had a scene where two of the haenyeo are [talking] about how dirty the water is and the pesticides that are running off and destroying the seagrass," Sue Kim recalls. "That's just part of their everyday conversation."


A haenyeo diver of South Korea’s Jeju Island in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

Their connection to the ocean runs deep, intertwining their identities with the rhythms of the sea that have sustained them for generations. For the haenyeo, the ocean is not just a source of food; it is a vital part of who they are, fueling their determination to protect its fragile ecosystems. As they shoulder mounting pressures from a warming ocean, overfishing, and pollution — including the alarming discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima disaster — they are driven to activism. 


Haenyeo diver Lee Hee Soon in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

"When the Fukushima nuclear water crisis really kind of confronted them, we just covered it exactly as they were learning about it," Kim says. "We had no intervention in the actions of the haenyeo. And you can see that in the town hall scene, where they're first learning about what this decision might mean for the health of the sea, they [get] so angry, and then it turns into this sort of unified, collective determination to protest it. That's just who they are. And it was such a gift for us to be able to cover it as it was happening."


In a remarkable display of courage, haenyeo Jang Soon Duk even traveled thousands of miles to speak to the U.N. on behalf of the community, seeking to shed light on the challenges the haenyeo face and rally support for their cause. 


Unfortunately, and the release of the wastewater will be continuing. 


A haenyeo diver of South Korea’s Jeju Island in “The Last of the Sea Women,” now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

The consequences of that decision may not be seen for decades — which is precisely the issue. What future awaits the haenyeo? In 20, 30, 50 years, will there be an ocean healthy enough to support the society these women built? And within their community, as younger generations' interest in the hard lifestyle wanes, how can the haenyeo preserve their culture? 


The documentary is able to comment on the latter. Sue Kim introduces Jin Sohee and Woo Jeongmin, two younger divers working to encourage other young women to keep the legacy of the haeneyo alive. 


Haenyeo divers Woo Jeongmin and Jin Sohee in "The Last of the Sea Women," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

"We thought it was important to highlight Jeongmin and Sohee's haenyeo occupation as young women," says Kim, "and how they've kind of rebranded it by using social media and TikTok and YouTube to talk about what they're seeing under the water, [and] talk about what a cool and fun occupation it is for them."


"One thing I appreciate about them is that they bring a very postmodern sensibility to the occupation," she continues. "They are haenyeo because it works; it solves very postmodern problems. Jeongmin needs a flexible working schedule as a working mom, and she can have that being a haenyeo. Sohee worked for eight years in a stuffy office with a cubicle, and she really longed to be outside. So she came to the haenyeo occupation wanting to commune with nature and have a more fulfilling work life. So I love that they've put this sort of new youthful spin on this ancient culture."


As for the other uncertainties, unfortunately, there are no concrete answers. But one thing remains clear: the spirit of the haenyeo is resilient. Their deep-rooted connection to the ocean transcends generations, reflecting a way of life that is both unique and precious. Haenyeo Geum Ok Lee says it succinctly, "Even in my next life, I will dive again. Just an old woman and the sea, forever."


 

Photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

About "The Last of the Sea Women" (2024):


Run: 87 minutes


Director: Sue Kim


Producers: Sue Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Erika Kennair


Featuring: Soon Duk Jang, Hee Soon Lee, Joo Hwa Kang, Im Saeng Ko, Geum Ok Lee, Jeongmin Woo, Young Ae Jeong, Sohee Jin, In Sook Park, Soon Shil Seo, Soon-E Kim, Mari Chang, Joo Hyun Kim


Directors of Photography: Iris Ng, Eunsoo Chu


Underwater Cinematographer: Justin Turkowski


Production Companies: A24, Extracurricular

Comments


bottom of page